SS4, Rhondda 1: Yet more drama

McRae's multiple end-over-end shunt 14.5kms into the 26.47km test left him nursing not only cuts and bruises but also a one-point championship lead that he is now unable to defend.

The Scot's exit has promoted Peugeot's Marcus Gronholm to the lead of the event, and he outpaced his French Peugeot team mate Didier Auriol by 7.7secs through Rhondda 1 to hold an 11.9sec lead at today's first main service halt in Swansea.

Richard Burns, who stands to profit the most from McRae's exit in the World Championship, was jointly third quickest with fourth placed Harri Rovanpera. Peugeot's Finn lies 13.1secs behind Subaru's Burns in the rally - the Brit can afford to let him past over the next couple of days, but must finish at least fourth to win the title.

Rovanpera's pace through the stage was sufficient for him to move ahead of Alister McRae (Hyundai). Ironically, McRae Jr now appears to be Burns's biggest threat and would do his big brother a big favour if he could get ahead of the Subaru star.

The second works Ford of Carlos Sainz is on a fight back after his SS3 puncture and subsequent road penalties, and the Spaniard was fifth quickest through Rhondda 1, but is currently 13th overall.

For full times from SS4, click here.

For full rally live timings, click here.

For rally itinerary, click here.

For full entry list, click here.